Moo Brew turned up in 2005. Full disclosure, I was there at the start when the first brewer Owen Johnston (now CEO of HPA) started with the core range. in those bottles (the shape of which was the catalyst of everything). We were alumni of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s hospitality scene in Hobart, which included working stints during concert security at Mona on the lawns. OJ did most things by himself right at the start, even drove a keg of Pale Ale in the back of his 1980’s Ford Laser sedan. Then DMac (Dave Macgill, now heading up Deep South), another alumni of the same scene, was taken in by OJ to learn the craft. Master and Padawan (the height differences also reminiscent of Yoda and Luke). OJ argued with Walshie about brewing at capacity in the original, European on-site brewery at Moo Town and got his way, with a purpose built brewery ripe for expansion a few KMs further north up river at Cove Hill. OJ handed the reins over. DMac made a few calls to keep the evolution of the brand churning, including putting the now very popular ‘craft’ brewery into cans. Jack Viney came along under DMac in 2014 and when it was time for Dave to spread his own wings, Jack stepped forward and has been there ever since. So happy 20th birthday to one of the enduring craft beer labels in Tassie, and potentially sitting right at the top of the current Tasmanian family lineage tree (we can chat about Hazards Ale later). 

Moo Brew, Single Hop, Tassie Pale, 20 Year Release, Enigma, Tasmania, NV

Re-released for the 20th birthday! Pale gold hue. neat lacing, with tight lace tears forming on a small swirl. Soft hop and resin tone, with fine malt, crisp pastry, white stone fruit, rock melon and a hint of broken caramel pieces. Approachable and creamy body through the front and mid palate before a fine tail. Bitterness is well held in check and provides the right amount of tart thirst-inducing drive underneath the easy malt and stone/tropical fruit. Clean, crisp and refreshing. 

RRP: $30 (for 4 x 440ml cans)
Alc: 4.8%
IBU: 25
Rating:  17/20

Moo Brew, Belgian Golden Strong Ale, Tasmania, NV

Also one of the OGs from OJ. The Belgo was a fave (not a touch on the Dark Ale though). Deep golden hue. Tropical and banana fruit esters, custard cream, golden apple, white lilies of the valley, clove spice and toasty caramel malts, Creamy body, alc fills the body out. Smooth mousse leading to stone fruit, honey (almost mead-like) with a bittersweet tang before a tight and drying finish. Complex, layered, full and delicious. Don’t serve too cold to let the flavours open up.

RRP: $36 (for 4 x 330ml bottles)
Alc: 9%
IBU: 25
Rating:  18.5/20

Sample courtesy of Moo Brew
Photo credits: Jesse Hunniford/Mona